From its foundation in 1768 the Royal Academy of Arts has provided a voice for art and artists. We are an independent charity led by eminent artists and architects—the Royal Academicians—and we pursue our mission through exhibitions, education and debate.

Sensing Spaces

Ticket information: Advance tickets are no longer available, but tickets can be bought on Saturday and Sunday at the RA Ticket Office. Please note that at busy times, queueing may be necessary. Last entry to the exhibition is 5.30pm. Friends of the RA go free – sign up on the day and enjoy immediate entry to the exhibition.

About the show

How does the room you’re sitting in make you feel? What is it about the soaring roof of a railway station, the damp odour of a cellar, the feel of worn stone steps beneath your feet, the muffled echo of a cloister or the cosy familiarity of your lounge that elicits glee, misery, fear or contentment?

We’ve tasked seven architects with reawakening our visitors’ sensibilities to the spaces around them – bringing to the fore the experiential qualities of architecture.

Watch the video to hear curator Kate Goodwin explain the show.

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Curator Kate Goodwin introduces the show

Meet the architects

Grafton Architects

Grafton Architects was set up in 1978 by Yvonne Farrell (b 1951) and Shelley McNamara (b 1952). The pair are skilful in their use of brick and concrete, playing with surface, weight and texture and manipulating light and shadow to convey a sense of gravity or lightness.

Grafton Architects.

Meet the architects

Diébédo Francis Kéré

Diébédo Francis Kéré (b 1965) bridges the worlds of Africa and Europe, promoting a sustainable architecture that uses local materials, labour and building methods enhanced and modified by modern technology. His role as an architect often extends to that of social catalyst, fundraiser and builder, and his work places the community at the heart of design, construction and use.

Diébédo Francis Kéré.

Meet the Architects

Kengo Kuma

Kengo Kuma (b 1954) is interested in a concept he calls ‘weak architecture’, developed in part as a reaction to the devastating Kobe earthquake of 1995. This sees architecture as subservient to nature and influences everything from siting buildings and framing the environment to materials and construction methods.

His architecture combines a spiritual exploration of ideas with rational thinking and is based on a continuing enquiry into the underlying concepts of space in the Chinese context.

Li Xiaodong.

Meet the Architects

Pezo von Ellrichshausen

Pezo von Ellrichshausen was founded in 2002 by Mauricio Pezo (b.1973) and Sofia von Ellrichshausen (b.1976) in Concepción, Chile. Their work lies at the crossroads between art and architecture with a portfolio that includes installations and houses in Chile, USA, Portugal and Spain. Their best known works are the Poli house in Coliumo, Chile (2005) and their home and studio the Cien house in Concepción, Chile (2011).

Pezo von Ellrichshausen.

Mauricio Pezo and Sofia von Ellrichshausen..

Meet the Architects

Álvaro Siza

The work of Pritzker Prize-winning Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza (b 1933) is characterised by simplicity and restraint. His architecture treads a delicate line between tradition and modernity, combining craftsmanship with the techniques and materials of the machine age.

Álvaro Siza.

Meet the Architects

Eduardo Souto de Moura

Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto de Moura (b 1952) sees architecture as a continuing story that builds on the past. Nevertheless, his buildings – including houses, office blocks, art galleries and a football stadium – have a striking visual impact, often making dramatic use of geometric shapes or sweeping curves. While these are visually powerful works, they are also human in scale and rewarding in use.

De Moura.

In a city the atmosphere is all around you and is ever changing.
New things will become old things, so the idea of continuity is very real. Time is a great architect.

Alvaro Siza

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What visitors are saying

Charlotte and David

David: It’s really nice to experience the building in ways that you just would never have been able to otherwise. The installation by Pezo von Ellrichshausen really helps to focus the eye, especially towards some of the beautiful features in the ceiling.

Charlotte: It’s also fascinating watching how people interact with the exhibition, because everyone is doing something different. You can’t resist the temptation to get involved.

Federico

Federico: The exhibition is right at the turning point between art and architecture, and it reflects how architecture is trying to merge with art. I think it’s very complicated when architects try to be artists, but it’s always interesting. For me, the work by Grafton is the most successful because it engages with one of the most important elements of architecture: light.

Sung and Eddie

Sung: I absolutely love it: it’s beautiful to look at, and the smells are wonderful. Eddie loves it too – especially all the straws, colours and lights.

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Friends of the RA discuss 'Sensing Spaces'

Resources

Download our education guide or Art Detective

Learn more about the exhibition with our guide for students and teachers or creative worksheet.

The education guide is given out free to teachers and full-time students with an exhibition ticket and ID at the Learning Desk and is available to other visitors from the RA Shop at a cost of £4.95 (while stocks last).
Download the guide

Our Art Detectives family trails are a great way to engage children with the artworks. Pick one up for free from our Reception Desk, or download them before your visit here. These fun and creative worksheets include drawing activities and encourages families to explore exhibitions together. Art Detectives are sponsored by the Flow Foundation.
Download the Art Detective

Become a Friend of the RA

Enjoy free entry to our exhibitions all year round

Just £97 a year for you and a family guest.
Young membership only £45

Shop

Sensing Spaces Catalogue

This spectacular book documents the Sensing Spaces exhibition process through conversations with the architects, sketches and images of their work, alongside a series of specially commissioned photographs of the installations themselves.

Spun bamboo vase

Architectural ceramics

Our fine bone-china mugs are made using a traditional process of pouring clay into a mould by hand. The mugs then undergo numerous hand processes and multiple firings in a kiln before completion.
Their understated relief pattern will give a modern, architectural twist to any kitchen.

The Great Architecture Fair

We're giving you the chance to own a part of this historic event

The Great Architecture Fair will see the seven architectural practices behind Sensing Spaces select objects and materials from the exhibition to be repurposed as beautiful, unique items available to buy either online or by contacting us directly. In addition, we have also put together an imaginative and exciting package of experiences in collaboration with our architects. From private curator-led tours after dark to dinner in the galleries, you will be able to experience Sensing Spaces in a whole new way.

Competitions

Win an amazing trip to Beijing

We’ve teamed up with our media partner Time Out to offer you the chance to win an incredible trip to Beijing, the home city of architect Li Xiaodong, whose work features in the exhibition. This incredible prize is courtesy of Cathay Pacific and Four Seasons Hotel Beijing.

Diébédo Francis Kéré, Sensing Spaces installation.

Piccadilly site

Burlington Gardens site

A voice for art and artists since 1768

The Royal Academy of Arts is an independent charity and does not receive revenue funding from government. We are entirely reliant upon the support of visitors, our loyal Friends, Patrons, donors and sponsors to continue our work. Your support is our future.